Free flu clinics offered during National Influenza Vaccination Week

The Pennsylvania Department of Health announced Friday 60 state health centers, many Area Agencies on Aging and other partners will be offering free flu clinics Dec. 2 through Dec. 8.

The free clinics coincide with National Influenza Vaccination Week, which is dedicated to informing people they can get vaccinated throughout the holiday season and into January.

According to the state Health Department, flu season typically runs from October through May and often peaks between January and March with five to 20 percent of the U.S. population developing influenza each year.

“It’s not too late to get vaccinated, so Pennsylvanians should take advantage of these flu clinics,” Acting Secretary of Health Michael Wolf said in a news release. “By increasing vaccination rates, we can fight the spread of influenza and help Pennsylvania stay healthy into the New Year.”

Older adults, young children, pregnant women, health care workers and people with chronic medical conditions are reported to be among the groups at high risk for catching the flu.

Area residents seeking vaccination are encouraged to contact the Washington County State Health Center, 167 North Main St., Washington, at 724-223-4540, and the Greene County State Health Center, 432 E. Oakview Drive, Waynesburg, at 724-627-3168, for clinic hours or call 877-PA-HEALTH. Older adults also can call the Southwestern Pennsylvania Area Agency on Aging at 724-489-8080.